My K-2 darlings would have a hard time understanding how writing can help you share a part of your soul with the world. Writing is a powerful form of communication, even in this era of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.Ultimately, isn't this what we want our students to be able to do -- to use writing for whatever purpose makes them happy or helps them accomplish their goals?Today was one of the best days hands down I have ever had as a teacher. It was Valentine's Day, granted, and my students were brimming with feelings of unabashed joy and love for their teachers. These are the moments we teachers live for, and they get us through the more difficult days.If I would write anything, I would share with the world how each day can be unexpected. I would say I was touched by so many smiles today everywhere I went, not just school. Smiles that reassure you can be found at the doctor's office, at the gas station, at the gym, at Starbucks, and everywhere in between. These people were a huge part of my day, and I was sure to smile back and wish them Happy Valentine's Day. Thanks, perfect strangers and friends! I read somewhere that your mind directs how you think and greatly influences how your day will go. I used that advice today, and it was terrific!Mindfulness is a great tool for writers. I was reading a post on another teacher's website, and that got me interested in meditation for mindfulness. If you can help your kids use writing to relax, they can really use writing as a powerful vehicle for introspection. Maybe they aren't at the point where they want to blog about it, but they can record happiness, sadness, fear, excitement, regrets, and all other emotions that make us human. The more I read what other people are writing, the more I feel like we have the power to really change our reality and unlock the parts of ourselves we have been holding back because we were limiting ourselves with weakness, lack of self-esteem, doubt, and even fear. Life is too short to let fear prevent you from becoming the fullest version of yourself! Here's to writing and working out who the real you is that is begging to be released!